Oakland Raiders acquire quarterback Matt Flynn

The Raiders makeover kicked into overdrive Monday when they traded for inexperienced quarterback Matt Flynn and worked further on jettisoning veteran quarterback Carson Palmer.

General manager Reggie McKenzie has been in cost-cutting mode since he was hired by owner Mark Davis last year.

Getting out from under "out-of-whack contracts" and finding a long-term solution at quarterback were huge priorities from the outset. In Flynn, the Raiders are hopeful they found their man at a fraction of the price Palmer would have cost.

Palmer still is a part of the Raiders roster. However, he no longer is a part of their plans, coach Dennis Allen said in a conference call.

"Matt's one of those guys, even though he hasn't had a lot of opportunities, when he's had those opportunities, he's made the most out of those chances," Allen said. "We feel real good about that, and feel real good about getting a young prospect at quarterback."

Therein lies the rub. Palmer started 121 regular-season games during his 10-year NFL career. Flynn and Terrelle Pryor combined for three starts during their NFL careers. Yet, one of them is going to be the starter a little more than five months from today.

Several reports said Palmer is bound for the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a late-round draft pick.

"When we looked at it, both from his standpoint and our standpoint, we just realized that it was time for us to move on and move forward," Allen said of Palmer.

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Flynn was unavailable for comment. He is slated to speak with Bay Area media Tuesday.

Flynn, 27, started only two games in his five NFL seasons. He spent his first four seasons backing up Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. Last season, he made brief appearances in only three games for the Seahawks after being beaten out by rookie Russell Wilson.

Allen said he is hopeful that Flynn will flourish if given the opportunity, in much the same way Rodgers did taking over for Brett Favre and Matt Schaub did after being traded to the Houston Texans.

Neither Allen nor McKenzie anointed Flynn the clear-cut starter. That's in keeping with their stance that they want competition at every position.

Yet, it seems likely that McKenzie and Allen are counting upon Flynn to be their starting quarterback for 2013 and beyond.

"Matt is a tough football player, and a talented quarterback," McKenzie said in a news release. "He will get the opportunity to compete to be a starter with the Raiders. I believe Matt has that potential, but I also know he hasn't had enough experience."

Palmer is the latest high-priced player targeted by McKenzie this offseason. He joins defensive tackle Tommy Kelly, cornerback Michael Huff and wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, all of whom were released.

Palmer, 33, is scheduled to earn $13 million in base salary in 2013, whereas Flynn is on the books for $5.25 million. Allen said he hasn't spoken with Palmer since the Flynn trade.

"I talked to Carson probably Saturday, over the weekend, and kind of explained to him, where we were at, what the process was," Allen said. "He and his representation totally understand where we're at."

McKenzie inherited a roster that featured Palmer as the unquestioned starter and Pryor the long-term project. Flynn provides a measure of comfort through McKenzie's familiarity with the Louisiana State product.

McKenzie scouted Flynn in 2007, when McKenzie worked for the Green Bay Packers. Ultimately, the Packers selected two quarterbacks in the 2008 draft, Brian Brohm in the second round and Flynn in the seventh.

Taking a chance on Flynn is the latest in a long line of gambles by the Raiders on finding a long-term solution.

Since 2006, the Raiders committed seven draft picks on the following quarterbacks: JaMarcus Russell, Jason Campbell, Pryor, Palmer and Flynn.